HARRY BUICK FROM BROUGHTY FERRY DUNDEE ESCAPES PRISON AFTER CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In March 2021, a disturbing case involving Harry Buick, an 80-year-old man from Broughty Ferry, Dundee, drew significant attention from local authorities and the community. Buick, who was employed as a school crossing patroller in Dundee, was found guilty of engaging in inappropriate and lewd conduct towards a young girl during his duty hours. The incidents took place over a span of several days, specifically between April 19 and April 26, 2010, within the confines of a primary school shed in Dundee.

According to court records, Buick repeatedly kissed the 10-year-old girl on the mouth on multiple occasions. The court heard that his actions extended beyond mere kissing, as he also engaged in physical contact that was both indecent and libidinous. Buick was accused of cuddling the child, rubbing her arms with his hands, placing his hands on her hips, pulling her between his legs, and repeatedly kissing her on the mouth. These acts occurred while he was on duty, exploiting his position of trust as a school crossing patrol officer.

Following his guilty plea at Dundee’s sheriff court, Buick was ordered to remain at his residence after 7pm, a restriction that was part of the court’s measures to limit his movements. The court proceedings included the preparation of social work reports, which played a role in the sentencing decision. During the hearing, Buick’s defense solicitor, Ross Donnelly, acknowledged that his client had minimized the extent of his actions during the social work interview. Despite this, Donnelly urged the sheriff, John Rafferty, to consider a community-based order instead of a custodial sentence.

In his sentencing remarks, Sheriff Rafferty emphasized the importance of deterrence and the need to protect vulnerable individuals, especially children. He noted Buick’s lack of prior offending history and his current health issues, including a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, as mitigating factors. The sheriff stated, “There are a number of reasons why an offence of this nature may result in a custodial disposal. Perhaps the most significant point is to deter others who may be inclined to behave in this manner. Behave in a manner that’s lewd, indecent and libidinous towards a girl aged 10 and conduct in this case was by somebody who was in a position of some trust.”

Ultimately, Sheriff Rafferty decided on a community payback order, which includes 12 months of supervision and a restriction of liberty order that confines Buick indoors between 7pm and 7am for the next nine months. Additionally, Buick was placed on the sex offender register for a period of five years. The court’s decision reflects a balance between punishment, public safety, and consideration of Buick’s health and personal circumstances, but it also underscores the seriousness with which such offenses are regarded in Dundee and the wider community.